Dustin Poirier seizes Yas and Khabib Nurmagomedov avoids the media

Abu Dhabi: Undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov may have failed to address the media at Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, but Daniel Poirier, the interim champion, has not made.

The Russian made a brief appearance at the usual pre-fight celebrations where he and Poirier shook hands in a show of mutual respect in front of UFC 242 at The Arena on Yas Island on Saturday before retreat quickly behind the scenes.

While the jaw had fallen into the crowd, UFC President Dana White had tried to apologize on behalf of the champion. Under an agreement in effect for most major sports, all fighters must be available to speak to the press during media day.

And they were there, from friendly challenger Poirier, who entertained writers, photographers and TV crews from around the world for over 45 minutes, Curtis Blaydes, heavyweight, heavyweight Edson Barboza and his opponent Paul Felder and women who will mark the story. – Liana Jojua, Sarah Moras, Joanne Calderwood and Andrea Lee.

But the man of the moment was Poirier who, several times during the long question-and-answer session with the media, had predicted that he would "shock the world" by becoming the first man to "finish" Khabib.

"I am the most complete and focused fighter and athlete I have ever been in my life," he said.

"I'm mentally ready for 25 minutes of bleeding, sweating and discomfort. Fans can expect me to put Khabib in positions where you've never seen him before and hurt him.

Wearing a colorful patterned t-shirt and a fashionable haircut, Pear Tree looked cool, calm and stylish, barely what one could expect to see in a man who was preparing to wage war on a king battling in one of the planned MMA fights of the year.

"It's a historic night, not only in mixed martial arts, but in my career," said the American, who has had a series of five unbeaten defeats and that includes deserved victories over Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. recent visit to the UFC Octagon in Atlanta Georgia, in April.

"I've dedicated my life to that, to that happening. It's very important for me, for my family and for my heritage. It means a lot. "

"I think my experience makes me different from everyone he has faced. The lessons I learned by trial and error. My commitment to my job, my understanding of positions in the octagon are all part of the work of my life. "

Poirier also paid tribute to the UAE and the positive atmosphere he felt when he arrived in Abu Dhabi earlier this week.

"It's huge," he said. "The buzz and the feeling I got from the city, people are so exciting.

"Knowing that they have built an arena specifically for this event is really amazing, and I can tell my grandchildren in several years. The UAE has signed a five-year contract with the UFC – so who knows? – Maybe next year, they will build an even bigger arena and the next year. Sky is the limit.

"I would like to come back and defend this belt here again. I did not know what to expect. It's really amazing here.

But first, there is the small business of defeating Khabib on Saturday.

A guest journalist asked Poirier what he would say to his young man if he could, sitting in front of the media gathered in front of Nurmagomedov and UFC 242, to which he replied: "Stay true to the trail. You will be the world champion. You will shock the world on September 7th. "

The whole world is waiting, Dustin.